Spider

For the critter, see Spider (critter). For the Return to Karazhan spiders, see Spider (Return to Karazhan). For the Revendreth spiders, see Spider (Revendreth).

Spiders are a type of animal found commonly throughout Azeroth and Draenor, and even other planes of existence such as the Firelands and the Shadowlands. The most common of the arachnid family, these critters spin their webs in nearly every corner of Azeroth.^[1] Commonly enhanced by corruptive magic, like the fel magic of the Burning Legion, or the necromancy of the Scourge or the Forsaken, they are also seen as plain wild animals. Spiders can be expected to use poisonous attacks and webbing in combat, often from a distance. One species of spider has entirely lost their carnivorous appetites, and instead feed on plants and fruit.^[2]

Traits in World of Warcraft[]

Spiders are usually classified as Beasts, with a few Bone Spiders classified as Undead.
With a few exceptions, spiders cannot be skinned.
Usually drop webbing, spider legs, spinnerets, mandibles (or fangs), or spider meat as loot.

History[]

Warcraft I - Spider — A spider from the *Warcraft: Orcs & Humans* manual

First war[]

This section concerns content related to Warcraft: Orcs & Humans.

Main article: Spider (Warcraft I)

During the First War, orc warlocks were adept at summoning these creatures to fight for the Old Horde.

Human description[]

Poisonous and huge, these spiders are found in dwellings long forgotten by time and man. Their bite is venomous, and their many legs make them an agile opponent. Having grown so large from years of hunting increasingly larger prey, they have learned to hide in dark places and attack from the shadows.^[3]

Orc description[]

The Warlock clan have used their magiks to create the hideous abomination that they call spiders. Mutated from the smaller creatures commonly found in the area, these huge poison fanged beasts are twisted and predatory. While some are controlled by the Warlocks, many grow too large to maintain control over, and are released into the forbidden lands. These giant spiders lurk in dark, dank places and spin their webs, seeking to entrap the unwary.^[4]

Spiders and corruption[]

This section concerns content related to Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos or its expansion The Frozen Throne.

During the Third War, the emergence of massive spiders in the Barrow Dens beneath Ashenvale Forest was one of the first signs of demonic corruption seeping into the land.

The Scourge[]

The Scourge has a strong connection with spiders. Large spiders can be found in any area affected by the undead plague, Bone spiders are found serving the scourge and Naxxramas has an entire wing devoted to spiders and spider-like creatures.

The Forsaken[]

This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

Recently, the Forsaken have developed something of a kinship with spiders. The Forsaken tend to them in the fields of Hillsbrad Foothills, allowing them to latch their eggs onto a suitable carrier - usually some variation of bear, until the little spiders are of age to be collected from their host. The spiders are used as sentries, pets and companions among the Forsaken empire. Dark rangers can be seen alongside domesticated spiders around the Ruins of Southshore.

Models[]

There are eight models for spiders in World of Warcraft:

One with thin, spindly legs, referred to as Venom (or Mine) Spider.
One with a hairy, tarantula-like body, referred to as Tarantula (model also used for lava spiders).
One with sharp barbs that was first introduced in the original Naxxramas, referred to as Giant Spider.
One with a bone-like structure that was introduced with Wrath of the Lich King, referred to as Bone Spider.
One with a fiery rock-like structure that was introduced with Cataclysm, referred to as Fire Spider.
Two introduced with Legion for spider demon and nightmare spider NPCs whose models are similar.
One used for the Bloodfang Widow mount introduced with Legion.

Within those different models, several skins are used to show different species, which include, but not limited to the list of species below.

Known species[]

In Warcraft III[]

This section concerns content related to Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos or its expansion The Frozen Throne.

Spiders in Warcraft III were a type of hostile creep, who could be found in a number of different tilesets.

Lordaeron fall, Winter and Summer:
- Black Spider
- Forest Spider
Ashenvale, Felwood:

Though many scholars believe that all spiders trace their roots back to the ancient kingdom of Azjol-Nerub, the giant spiders of Kalimdor have made a claim to the shadowy corners of Ashenvale Forest. Though not necessarily evil, wild spiders can become fearsome opponents if they feel their nests have been defiled.^[5]

RPG species[]

This section contains information from the Warcraft RPG which is considered non-canon.

Named uncategorized[]

For named spiders of specific types, see the individual articles.

Bloodtip is the matriarch of the Ashweb Spiders and is found in the Guo-Lai Halls.
Charlotte is the pet of Wilba.
Shadra is one of the loa of the Zandalari trolls and the Witherbark tribe of forest trolls.

As a mount[]

Main article: Spider mounts

As a hunter pet[]

Type
Ferocity
Diet

Abilities
Basic	Special	Exotic	Bonus

Spiders can root enemies with place with their skill, [Web], making them of special interest to some hunters. The spindly spider model, found both on Bloodmyst Isle and in Outland, makes a high-pitched screeching noise when it attacks, causing some hunters to use it to "creep out" other players.
Undead Hunters will start with a Spider as a pet.